catalan traditions

The neighbourhood of Gràcia launches into its week long festival, with its famous decorations occupying streets and squares throughout the area. The CNA talked to residents of Carrer de Progrés about their 'Intergalactic' themed street.

The Castellers de Vilfranca, a group of Catalan tower-makers, will go to Mumbai to show-off their human towers that have earned them an international reputation. In addition, they will also get a first hand experience from a similar Indian tradition and discover new techniques. Catalan human towers have been declared a masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO.

Catalan tradition dictates godfathers to offer a “Mona de Pasqua” to their godsons or goddaughters for Easter Monday. The cake goes with a chocolate sculpture or figurine, which in some cases are true masterpieces. Chocolate houses, chocolate trains or popular cartoons made out of chocolate are some of the creations that top the cake. Catalan patissiers expect to sell 660,000 “mones” this year, although smaller ones due to the economic slowdown.

Catalans traditionally exchange roses and books with their loved ones on 23rd of April. Streets and squares around the country fill with crowds in celebration of the National Day or ‘Diada’.

Valls experienced one of the most spectacular and unique Catalan events. Over 57 groups came together to build traditional human towers

Wondering why all the children are excited and happy? The Three Kings have already arrived in Catalonia. Their presence has already created a magical atmosphere and on Wednesday night they will deliver gifts to every single house in the country.

The crisis will not stop Catalans from enjoying their traditional King cake on the 6th of January. The most important thing about this special King cake is not the taste, but rather the excitement of the treats that come with it.

How do Catalans abroad celebrate Christmas? The CNA has met four Catalan and foreign families to discover how they spend Christmas

Esther and Dylan Jeannotte are celebrating Christmas this year in New York with their two children. While their Christmas celebrations are very American, native Catalan Esther is slowly incorporating Catalan traditions such as the ‘caga tió’ and ‘sopa de galets’.

Marc, Catalan, and Elke, German, reside together in Berlin with their daughter Matilda. This year they will spend their first Christmas in Catalonia.

Neus and Cédric plan to celebrate French and Catalan Christmas traditions with their newborn son.

The Caga Tió (literally “poop log”) and Saint Nicholas combined. The Massard Sans family of Brussels celebrates Christmas with a mix of Catalan and Belgian traditions.

Catalans are known throughout the world for their strong-rooted, but strange Christmas traditions. Among them include the ‘caganer’ (crapper), the ‘caga tió’ (poop log) and the traditional ‘pessebre’ (nativity scene).

Human towers are one of the most unique traditions in Catalonia. This week at the UNESCO meeting in Nairobi (Kenya), "castells" may join the prestigious list of world heritage cultural assets.

The ‘caganer’ is a figure in Catalan nativity scenes that is depicted in the act of defecation. The literal translation for ‘caganer’ means ‘shitter’. The tradition has existed in Catalonia and surrounding areas since the 17th century.